Cartwright, the second CSU tight end earning Phil Steele’s preseason first-team All-Mountain West honors in as many years, enters the 2014 season having played in 32 games and pulling in 56 catches for 835 yards and nine touchdowns. Cartwright is coming off a career year in 2013, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition while catching 27 passes for 462 yards and a team high six touchdown receptions. The senior-to-be was named to the Mackey Award Midseason watch list as a junior.

James, who was named to Phil Steele’s second team in 2013, enters his junior season needing just 1.5 sacks to enter CSU’s career top 10 after only 25 games. In his two-year career, James has registered 114 tackles, including 22.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Rams have had a linebacker named to Phil Steele’s first team.

Roberts, who was named to Phil Steele’s preseason third-team in 2013, earns first-team preseason honors for the first time in his career. The native of Littleton, Colo., earned first-team All-Mountain West honors by vote of coaches and media in 2013, as well as being a Lou Groza Award semifinalist. Roberts holds the school record for career field goal percentage (.882). Last season, Roberts connected on 21-of-24 field goals, including a career-best 54-yarder vs. Air Force. He also was a perfect 58-for-58 on PATs, the most made and attempted PATs in school history.